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Strike Characters

In addition to grade, other attributes of a coins condition, quality of manufacture and appearance are described by NGC. These include strike characters and designations.

A strike character most often describes how well an area of a coin was struck, and is used when this information is of specific interest to collectors. For example, Mercury Dimes are described with the notation FB for Full Bands which immediately follows the grade when, on the reverse of the coin, the central bands on the fasces are fully split. A number of similar strike characters are employed by NGC.

A designation usually indicates something about the appearance of the coin. For example, NGC describes Proof coins (coins struck for presentation or display purposes) that display contrast between the central devices and the field area as being CAMEO. This is one of the many designations used by NGC. Some special designations indicate when a coin was minted. For example, NGC uses the special designation FIRST DAY OF MINTAGE for Presidential Dollars received for certification on their official day of release or by overnight courier on the day immediately following. More information about this type of designation can be found on the Early Release Designation portion of this website.

A comprehensive list of strike characters and special designations follows.